Search Results for: blog tips for snapping super summer photos at the beach

Protecting Your Camera at the Beach

Growing up in Hawaii, it was no big deal to see people storing their cameras in coolers at the beach. In fact, I did it for years. I’d simply deposit my camera into its case, place it in a Ziploc bag and tuck it into a cooler somewhere near the soft burger buns and away from hard soda cans. Frankly, I thought it was one of the most ingenious ideas around. After all, it’s never a good idea to expose a camera to excessive heat and humidity for long periods of time. Likewise, a cooler can also protect your camera … Continue reading →

Working with Models

If your goal is to one day make a career from your passion for taking pictures, then at some point you will have to learn the fine art of working with models. Whether the model has two legs or four, is chiseled like a Greek sculpture or just competed in a Sumo wrestling match, you will need to be prepared to shoot your subject in the best light possible. This is especially true if you are trying to make a name for yourself in the field of fine art photography. Pictures in this genre typically serve as inspiration for celebrations … Continue reading →

The Challenges of Freelance Photography

Once upon a time I seriously considered making freelance photography my primary career. Then, reality set in. Whereas I didn’t mind hustling for jobs and honing my skills, the challenges involved with pricing photos did me in. Figuring out a way to fairly price pictures is one of the most daunting tasks amateur photographers face when trying to turn their passions into profit. Prior to the explosion of digital photography pricing photos was much easier. Back in the “good ol’ days” freelancers could simply refer to a standard pricing chart in order to come up with a quote. After digital … Continue reading →

Snapping the Fish

Now that my daughter is more fish than kid, I’m thinking of investing in a camera that will allow me to snap shots underwater. Since neither of my parents swim there is little chance that they will ever get to see their one and only granddaughter navigate below the surface of the water. By purchasing a waterproof camera I can document life under the sea, so they can see the fun my daughter has flipping and twirling in the deep. Waterproof cameras come in a variety of shapes, sizes and price points. If you are planning to take just a … Continue reading →

Inspiring Shots

I just returned from a family trip to Hawaii. The weather was incredible and the landscapes were as stunning as ever. Needless to say, I snapped about 500 photos while we were out there. Of course, not everyone can afford to fly to Hawaii to take pictures. However, that shouldn’t stop you from photographing your upcoming spring break trip or any road adventure. There are hundreds of places across the country, which provide awe-inspiring photo opportunities. Here are just a few: CALIFORNIA 17-Mile Drive at Pebble Beach This scenic road hugs the Pacific Ocean and winds through Pacific Grove and … Continue reading →

Last-Minute Tips for Taking Stellar Summer Shots

The long Labor Day weekend is right around the corner, which means you have a few more chances to practice snapping beach keepers. I have thousands of photos taken on the beaches of Hawaii, but not all of them are frame worthy. It actually took me a while to find which camera tips and tricks worked best for my particular shooting situation. Lighting and camera position are always concerns, but there are a number of other points to consider when taking photos at the beach, including: UV Filters: A decent UV filter can assist you during your beach photo sessions … Continue reading →

Snapping Beach Keepers

If there is any area of photography that I have even a hint of expertise, it’s taking photos at the beach. I was born and raised in Hawaii, but that was long before the invention of digital photography. My fine-tuning of beach photography has evolved over the past five years. Since my daughter’s first trip to my hometown, I have fine tuned my shots to illustrate how much fun one little girl can have enjoying the sun, sand and surf. To capture frame worthy beach shots consider the following tips: Framing: Static shots of kids in the sand make for … Continue reading →

Tips for Taking Super Summer Snapshots

With summer almost half way over many families are trying to squeeze in at least one more road trip before school starts. If you are getting ready to hit the highway for a fun-filled family vacation, then consider employing the following tips to ensure you capture stunning shots of your summer adventure: TELL A STORY Getting to your final destination is half the fun; so make sure you are documenting all the action from the moment you load into the family car. Tell a story with your shots by shooting chronologically. Capture the mood of the trip from start to … Continue reading →

How to Make Your Fourth of July Fireworks Pictures Pop

Whether you are heading to Grant Park in Chicago for Macy’s Independence Eve Fireworks Spectacular (with accompaniment by the Grant Park Symphony Orchestra) or you are simply planning to host your own light show this weekend, you want to make sure that you have what it takes to capture the moment. Fourth of July fireworks shows can be a challenge to shoot depending on where you are seated and the type of camera you are using. The following are basic tips that will help you capture the explosions in the sky in the best possible light: TRIPOD AND FLASHLIGHT Bring … Continue reading →

Tips for Snapping Super Summer Photos at the Beach

Summer is here (unofficially) and that means many snap happy parents will be toting their cameras to the beach to snap frame worthy shots of their kids frolicking in the sand and surf. If you plan to document your kids surfing and sculpting sand, then consider the following tips: Bye-Bye Boring Shots: Liven up your scrapbook by taking action shots of your friends and family members. Bring a ball or a Frisbee to the beach, get a game going, and then snap away. Drop to your knees to get interesting angles of your loved ones in action. You can also … Continue reading →